Toronto election 2026: The closest city council races

Several Toronto city council races are shaping up to be among the most competitive in the 2026 municipal election, especially in wards with no incumbent or where wellknown challengers are entering the contest. Open seats in ParkdaleHigh Park, BeachesEast York and TorontoDanforth are drawing large candidate fields. In BeachesEast York, former federal Liberal MP Nathaniel ErskineSmith is among the candidates, while TorontoDanforth is attracting attention after longtime councillor Paula Fletcher stepped aside late in the process. ParkdaleHigh Park is also seeing a crowded race with community activist Diana Chan McNally and school trustee Debbie King among the contenders. Other closely watched wards include York SouthWeston, where councillor Frances Nunziata faces a rematch with Chiara Padovani, and Scarborough Southwest, where incumbent Parthi Kandavel is running while under an ongoing Ontario Provincial Police investigation. Toronto Centre is another competitive race, with councillor Chris Moise facing several challengers and local figures backing different candidates. In Scarborough North and EtobicokeLakeshore, former federal politicians are challenging incumbents, adding another layer of interest to the citywide vote.